Electric vehicle purchases are on the rise in Alabama and across the nation. Only about 1% of registered vehicles in the U.S. are currently electric, but EVs account for nearly 8% of new car purchases, which means a rising number of people are making the switch, even here in Alabama.

The city of Tuscaloosa will install two charging stations for electric vehicle drivers at the Springhill Suites on Greensboro Avenue. The funding for the installations comes from $2 million in grants from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

Specifically, a $349,321 grant was awarded to Texas-based Universal EV LCC to do the Tuscaloosa installations. Six grants were awarded in total. Continue reading “Tuscaloosa to receive new charging stations for electric vehicles” →

CULLMAN, AL (WBMA) — The city of Cullman hosted an electric vehicle showcase event Saturday morning.

The event, which ran from 9 am to 11 am, featured several EV’s including anall-electric 2024 Chevrolet Silverado pick-up truck,a Ford F-150 Lightning, a Rivian and a Tesla Cybertruck.

The Event was sponsored by Drive Electric Alabama (DEA) and the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition (ACFC) . Both organizations work to establish advanced technology vehicles, and promote the use of clean renewable energy to improve the state, and create jobs within the state.

Auburn University student Stewart Massey shows off his Kia EV6 during a Drive Electric Alabama electric vehicle showcase event at the Gogue Performance Arts Center in Auburn on Wednesday, Oct. 3, 2024.

Dozens of electric vehicle (EV) owners showcased their cars and discussed the advantages and cost savings associated with the vehicles at EV showcases in two Alabama cities on Saturday, Sept. 28.

A variety of EVs, including SUVs and full-sized pick-up trucks, were on display at showcases at The Market at Pepper Place in Birmingham and Tropic Falls at OWA in Foley. EV owners talked one-on-one with people interested in learning more about EV technology, costs and charging infrastructure at both EVents.

John Givan showed off his Ford F-150 Lightning pick-up at the EV showcase in Birmingham and said “not buying gas” is the biggest advantage of driving electric.

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When people ask me how long it takes me to top off while charging, I often give them the same spiel: “Long enough for me to use the bathroom, grab a snack or drink, and walk back to the car.” It turns out I’m not alone.

A new study from MIT has confirmed what most of us have already suspected: EV charging stations aren’t just better for the environment; they’re also money printers. And it’s not just charging network providers who see green—so do nearby shops.

Read the full article here.

Virginia Transportation Corporation unveiled a new all-electric truck on Monday, which will transport newly built Honda cars from the Lincoln, Alabama plant to the nearby CSX railhead for shipment to locations across the globe.

Officials will collect data and analyze the performance of the all-electric semi-truck, which will help determine its long-term viability. A coalition that includes Peterbilt, Alabama Power, the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and Virginia Transportation Corporation are involved in supporting this pilot project. 

Read the full story here >>

Whether it’s mining of essential elements for batteries, advanced manufacturing and the associated high-paying jobs or just freedom from the pump for owners, electric vehicles (EVs) are a vital part of Alabama’s future.

Those were among the assertions at the recent Drive Electric Alabama EV Summit at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Presented by the Alabama Automotive Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the summit offered a wide range of reasons why the state wants to see EV growth.

Economic development officials, automotive manufacturers, state agencies, Alabama Power and others weighed in on what they are doing in the EV space.

Alabama Power came together with state leaders Thursday to discuss the future of electric vehicles in Alabama.

“Some fifty organizations, many of whom are here today, have joined together to ensure that Alabama is globally competitive as the EV economic ecosystem matures,” said Governor Kay Ivey.

The event featured leaders from Alabama Power, Mercedes Benz and others. They discussed the future and the challenges that come with adopting electric vehicles.

Alabama is spending millions of dollars to expand its charging station infrastructure – a move that officials say not only supports the needs of electric vehicle owners but also the growing EV automotive industry in the state.

“We are invested in the automotive industry here in the state of Alabama, 45,000 workers all throughout the state,” said Kenneth Boswell, director of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), the organization Gov. Kay Ivey has tasked with building out the state’s EV infrastructure. “We want to make sure that we do everything to solidify those jobs.”

Both Mercedes-Benz U.S. International and Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama have introduced electric vehicles to their Alabama assembly lines. Mercedes also produces EV batteries at a separate plant in Bibb County.

Boswell said the availability of EV charging stations is important to EV owners in Alabama and those traveling through the state.

“We also want to reduce that range anxiety for that person that chooses EV as an option,” he said.